Bangalore to Kodaikanal - A Detailed Travel Guide

Most people love to travel to Kodai from Bangalore by road. The distance between Kodai and Bangalore is about 465 km making it a comfortable travel by car or bus. It takes roughly about 8 - 11 hours to travel by road. It is one of the places to go for 2 days trip around Bangalore.

The time estimated is included stopover for refreshments. There are many routes between kodai and Bangalore.

The best route is the one that leads from Hosur Road and goes towards Salem. This route will take you through Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri on the way. 

Then you will have to take NH 7, pass through Dindigul and then finally drive through the Southern G T Road onto Kodai Ghat Road. People prefer to opt for this option as the tickets are easy to get an the travel time is also less.

Types of Buses

There are many buses that travel from Bangalore to Kodai.  There are various bus operators like Sam Tourist, SRS Travels, Abhishek Travels and so on. These coaches offer Non A/c Sleeper, A/c Sleeper, semi sleeper, luxury A/c seater and normal A/c seater.

All these options are available at various price ranges. If you travel by bus it takes minimum 8 hrs 30 mins to 10 hrs 35 mins, the time depends on the kind of bus and operator you choose. 

Thanks to the large number of busses plying between Bangalore to Kodai, you can actually choose a bus whose time suits your itinerary.

Timings of the bus, Pick up and Drop points

The bus from Kodai to Bangalore starts to ply from 19.55pm till 22.30 pm. There are as many as 18 boarding points and 3 dropping points.  

The bus takes from Marathahalli and picks up people from places like Jalahalli and Yelahanka on the way. The bus finally stops at the Kodai Bus stand. There are various bus operators that start at various timings, making it easy for tourists to travel as per their will.

Bus Fare

The bus fare depends on the category you choose. The better the category the more the charge of the ticket. It starts from INR 550 and if you are lucky, you will also get tickets on discount at various online sites.

The drive to Kodaikanal from Bangalore takes somewhere between 7 - 10 hours and the distance between the two places is approx. 465 Km. depending on the route, it might 15 - 20 km less or more. 

The route includes Hosur, Krishnagiri, Tiruchirapalli, Velur, Dharmapuri, Salem, Thopur, Namakul, and Dindigul.

• Cost: With a car giving average mileage, one might have to spend somewhere between 3500 - 4500 INR as the expense of petrol.

Many people prefer to travel to Kodai from Bangalore by rail. The train starts from H. Nizamuddin or Shakurbasti station in Bangalore. 

This nearest railway station to Kodaikanal is located at Kodai Road, approx. 100 kilometers away from the main town. From the railway station at Kodai road you can take a taxi to the main town.

• Cost: The taxi charges around INR 1800 per car. Needless to say, the taxi fare depends on the number of passengers and the type of car.

After the bus, travelling by air is the second most popular option. Kodaikanal does not have an airport and the nearest one is at Madurai. 

The Madurai airport is located at 120 kilometers away from Kodai town. 

The airport is one of the busiest airports in Tamil Nadu is well equipped.  Almost all eminent airlines fly between Bangalore and Madurai. A few of such airlines are Air India, Air Pegasus, Jet Airways and Spice Jet.

Apart from Madurai, the other options are Trichu Airport, which is around 150 kilometers away and Coimbatore Airport, which is at 175 kilometers away from Kodai.

A direct flight is about 1 hour 20 minutes long and a hopping flight is about 2 hrs 30 minutes.

Cost of Air Fare: The air tickets range from INR 2500 onwards on a normal day. However, you can keep an eye on promotional offers and discounts that are offered by airlines and online booking sites from time to time to get a better rate. You often get good discounts and deals on the air tickets from time to time.

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If you are in Kodaikanal then you must stop by the beautiful freshwater reservoir called Berijam Lake. This reservoir is surrounded by dense forests and is a must see tourist destination. 

It is located on the Palani Hills near Fort Hamilton. The 59 acres of water body is created, thanks to a dam nearby. 

The lake is known for its pure and clear water. If you delve into the history of this place, then earlier a swamp was there instead of the lake and a small hut was built beside it as a military outpost. In the year 1867 the lake and dam was created which was named after the then collector of Madurai who had played a significant role in creating the same. 

This place is a hot spot amongst tourists thanks to the exotic fauna and flora in this region. Also, the surrounding Shola forests are famous amongst travelers as a location to spot exotic animals and birds. This place is a must go for all nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

Timing: It is open on all days between 9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Entry Fee: Free

Dolphin’s Nose is a must-see tourist destination in Kodaikanal. It is located around 7 kms from the Guna caves. 

Located at an altitude of 6600 feet it is one of the most exotic locations in the town often visited tourists. The place gets its name due to the shape of the perch on the mountain top. It is about 8 kms from the main city of Kodaikanal.

If you are wondering where you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire hilly region, then this place is the answer.

The picturesque view of the beautiful landscape is breathtaking. You get to see the whole landscape filled with forests, fauna and flowers from this strategic point. 

If you love trekking, then you will certainly love this trek in Kodaikanal of 2 kms to the Dolphin nose.  A car will take you to a point about 2 kms from the dolphin nose. From there you need to trek upwards.

Tourists love this place as they get to see fleeting clouds and fog pass right through them, adding to the romantic mood of the location. For those, who do not want to trek, there are horses available too that can take you up.

Timings: Best time to visit this place is from October to March.

If you happen to visit Kodaikanal or even a place nearby you certainly cannot miss visiting the KodaiLake. This lake is undoubtedly one of the most sought after tourist destination in this region.

This place is always buzzing and is the hub of the Kodai region. The main attraction of this place is boating. You can hire a boat and indulge in a memorable boat ride.

Now, these boats are available in various sizes and come at a fixed price. Remember, the boat service providers have a fixed price and do not entertain any bargaining.

Tourists love to boat while watching the picturesque view of the sunset. The lake is also very well maintained and extremely well kept. To make the place a hit amongst the tourists, the Tamil Nadu Government has made a few boating houses for tourists to stay in. If you are a health freak then you can simply cycle around the 5 km lake and soak in the scenic beauty around you.

They also have great road side food options like Fish Meals, Omellete and Maggi.

Timings: Open all 7 days from 8.30 am to 6.00pm.

Best time to visit: During sunset

Kodaikanal is dotted with various must-see tourist spots in and around it. One of the famous tourist spots in the green valley view. Kodaikanal is a picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu. 

The Green Valley View visits in the must sightseeing list of most tourists who visit this region. Just as the name suggests this place is known for its green stretch of plains, valleys and hills.

This place was earlier referred to as the suicide point. The place is slightly dangerous thanks to the dense and deep valley beneath it.

The drop from the green valley view is as steep as 5000 feet. From this particular point, you get to see the entire span of greenery. You also get to see the Vaigai dam located nearby. 

This place is sought after by those who love to see scenic beauty and also breathe in some fresh air. Choose a day to visit this spot when it is not too cloudy. Otherwise, the mist around will cover the view completely and spoil your experience.

Timing:  Though it is open from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm, the best time to see it is between 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. during the day.

Entry Fee: No entry fee.

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If you want to experience the true essence of Kodaikanal then you must visit the Coakers walk. This is an awesome tourist spot that most Kodai sightseeing tours will cover.

This place was constructed way back in 1872 by Lt Coaker and has been named after him. It is a narrow strip of path where the pedestrians can walk. The walk is about 1 km in length.

The Coakers walk is just about ½ km away from the Kodai Lake.

The stretch starts from the Van Allen Hospital and leads to the road right above the St Peter’s church. The stretch of the walk offers the tourists an amazing view of the plains around.

They also get to walk amidst thick forests. If you are lucky enough and happen to visit this place on a sunny day, then you can also see the Madurai city from here. Whether you are a health freak or a nature love, you would love this place. This stretch of path is ideal for walking. 

Just soaking in the serene environment around will help you to detox and unwind after a tiring day. Remember to carry a telescope with you to catch the view far away.

Timings: This place is open from 7.00 am to 7.00pm

One of the exotic locations that one must visit is the Pine forest area of this hill station. It is a heritage point that is preserved thanks to its natural beauty.

The place is known for its serenity and beautiful natural view all around it. Now, this place was not naturally endowed with pine plants.Mr Bryant had consciously converted this place into a pine destination by planting loads of pine trees in this region way back in 1906.

The pine plants were planted keeping in mind to meet the demand for timber in the future. The whole stretch is covered gray and has loads of dried cones and leaves.

This place is famous for wild mushrooms referred to as magic mushrooms. These mushrooms are known to be hallucinogenic in nature. This is an awesome picnic place where you can relax amidst the pine trees.

The place is also famous amongst photographers for capturing scenic views.

Timings: Open all 7 days a week from 10.00 am to 700p.m

Compared to other historic temples in the city of Kodaikanal, Kurinji Andavar Temple is a much modern temple. It was built in 1936. It was built by a European Lady, who, after coming to India developed immense zealot towards Hinduism. 

The religion had such a permeating effect on the lady that she changed her name to Leelavathi, married to Mr. Ramanathan and eventually came to be known as Lady Ramanathan.

The temple owes its name from a flower that blossoms every twelve years, named Kurinji. The deity, therefore, is called Sri Kurinji Easwaran.

Esware is a Hindi word meaning God or deity. The last blossom was in 2006 and the next blossom is expected in 2018. It is a very rare flower and is mainly found in the foothills of Kodaikanal. It is regal and majestic in appearance and is an attraction for tourists.

The temple is managed by Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani. They put special stress on hygiene and cleanliness. 

The design of the temple is conventional yet it has flavors of modernity from Europe. The fusion of both the architectural styles is a symbol of harmony and acceptance. Due to these vibrancies and uniqueness, the Kurinji Andavar Temple has its own alluring appeal and attraction for the tourists.

Timing: Monday – Friday  7.00 AM - 7.00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Special Condition: Act in accordance with the norms.

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Bryant Park is a botanical garden located in the midst of Kodaikanal. It is a very well managed park, which provides immense natural ecstasy. It is huge in size built over an area of 20.5 acres.

There are varieties of flowers and trees. There are different shades of roses at the opening which is always surrounded by people, mostly couples.

Different seasons add to its ravishing persona in distinctive ways. In spring, the park looks more beautiful. Many flowers blossom in this season and many people visit Kodaikanal especially for the Bryant Park.

The panorama becomes utterly pleasant in monsoons. A soothing fragrance of mud can be felt all over. The dust is eroded by rain. At this time, the place looks lush green and the flowers look fresher than ever.

Little droplets present on the surface of flowers and leaves make it more beautiful and adorable. In winters, the whole park is covered with fog in the morning, which is a pulchritudinous scene.

There is a play area where children can and spend their time playing games. The cactus nursery is very well managed and perhaps one of the finest. With the scenic beauty and rich flora, it offers Bryant Park is definitely a place to visit.

Timing: Everyday 9 am to 5:30 pm

Entry Fee: Adults Rs.30, Children Rs. 15

Special Condition: Touching any tree or plucking any flower is prohibited.

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Silent Valley View point is another breathtaking place in Kodaikanal. It is located on the Benjamin Lake Road. One can reach here by public transport. It is one of the popular places for nature lovers in Kodaikanal.

The Silent Valley View point offers mesmerizing landscape scenery of the valley which leaves the visitors awestruck.

The best time to visit this scenic place is either in the mornings, evenings or late afternoons. At this time of the day, the valley can be seen covered in white mist. The white mist gives an adorable and jaw dropping look as it passes between the trees, crossing the refreshingly green meadows.

The clouds seem reachable and passing through people. It feels as if one stretch hands upwards, she/he can embrace the clouds with hands. The afterimage of lush greenery present does not fade easily.

It is an extremely good place for photography. People come and have wonderful clicks worth lifetime remembrance. The place is well managed by the tourism department and there are cautious warnings given to people for not going to the edge or the corner. 

So to feel freshen up and rejuvenated, this place is worth paying a visit for good and fond memories.

Timing: Sunrise to Sunset

Entry Fee: No entry fees

Special Condition: Going to the edge not allowed.

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The pillar rocks are located at a little distance from the bus stop. One can use public or private transport to reach the giant rocks. There are set of three gargantuan rocks. The rock pillars are 122 meters (400 ft) high.

This viewpoint attracts a lot of people. The place is immensely crowded, but it is not commercialized. There is a lovely public garden just adjacent to the viewpoint where people can relax and enjoy. The shape of the rock is also rare and exclusive.

On reaching the top of pillars, one is engulfed by the scenic beauty.  The high pillars make one feel at the top of the world and close to the sky. The top view is really terrific. The whole city can be seen from the pillar.

It is an extravagant place for shooting short videos and just the most perfect place for photography. Tourists come here, especially for capturing the wonderful scenic beauty in their phones and cameras. 

The space between the two rocks is called the Devil’s kitchen and owes great significance. The street food outside the garden is also famous for its yum taste. So the visit to Kodaikanal is incomplete without a stopover at the pillar rocks.

Timing: All days of the week 9 am to 4:30 pm

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Special Condition: Going to the edge is not allowed.

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The Sterling Hotel is one of the unique hotels which feature an unusual architecture. The entire hotel has been constructed as a ship, and the different elements of the hotel also have inimitable shapes. For instance, the accommodation block is leaf-shaped, the business block is lotus shaped and there is an array of the dome-shaped rooms. The hotel is among the best hotels in Kodaikanal for couples and offers extraordinary hospitality.

This outstandingly maverick architectural cluster is certainly a haven of comfort and an epitome of style amidst the hills of Kodaikanal. There is a travel desk in the hotel to help the guests with the local sightseeing and adventurous activity planning, and it can help you make all the travel arrangements for visiting the nearby places. Also, there is a spa to make you feel replenished and revitalized.

The multi-cuisine restaurant of the hotel serves continental, tandoori, Chinese and Indian food. The Jain food can also be made available on the prior notice.

Address: Attuvampatti, Pallangi Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101

Phone: 04542 244 448

Room Tariff: INR 2500 - 3700, if you strike some good deal online, you will get it for the even lesser amount.

Check-In: 12 Noon

Check Out: 10 AM.

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A unit of the Sparsa resorts, the Le Poshe resort has been developed to cater the guests with utmost comfort and luxury. From the captivating & the scenic ambience to the luxury villas designed for the guests, from a revitalizing gym to the delightfully unwinding spas, and from plush ultramodern amenities to a mesmerizing ethnic charisma, one can find all of these things at the Le Poshe, Kodaikanal.

Le Poshe aims to deliver an experience to its guests which not only rejuvenates their body but also refreshes their soul in the most incredible manner. After a long day of sightseeing in the hilly terrains of Kodaikanal, one needs complete rest and a delectable meal, so that they can re-energise themselves for the next day, and this is what exactly the Le Poshe offers.

Apart from the Spa and Fitness Club, what most of the people love about Le Poshe is their Kids Club, where kids can have a lot of fun. Looking for some relaxing spa?

Address: No.25, Sivanadi Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101

Phone: 04542 240 514

Room Tariff: INR 3000 - 5000, if you strike some good deal online, you will get it for an even lesser amount.

Check-In: 12 Noon

Check Out: 10 AM.

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A unique stone property with several stand-alone cottages, the Hill Country Resort is among most popular holiday resorts in Kodaikanal. 

Located at a mere distance of 6 km from the Kodai lake and 10 Km from Kodaikanal Golf Club, this is one of the most centrally located hotels as well.

The rooms of the resort are well-equipped with the underlying amenities, and the hotel offers free breakfast to its guests. 

A scrumptious breakfast in the morning will simply kick start your day and an Ayurvedic spa located in the resort will help you rejuvenate and replenish.

The Hill Country Resort is one of the best amalgamations of the affordability and best-in-class hospitality. 

The resort also offers the serene views of the beautiful city and the hills. The quaint cottages and exquisite landscape with fine dining experiences make Hill Country Resort one of the best lodging options for your holiday in Kodaikanal.

Address: Arackal Road, Attuvampatti, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101

Phone: 04542 240 953

Room Tariff: INR 3000 - 4500, if you strike some good deal online, you will get it for the even lesser amount.

Check-In: 12 Noon

Check Out: 10 AM.

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Set on a hillside, the United 21 Resort in Kodaikanal is one of the nest hill view resorts that offers breathtaking views of the valley. It is located at a strategic location, and many attractions of the Kodaikanal are very nearby. Moreover, the Kodai bus stop is also just 5 km from the United 21 resorts.

The amenities at the resort include free breakfast every morning during your stay and well-equipped rooms with the underlying facilities. Also, the hotel staff is very cooperative, and if you want the travel arrangements for the sightseeing, they will do it for you.

You can also find a good multi-cuisine restaurant in the resort where you can have scrumptious food or can get it delivered to your room as well. You can also request a bonfire, and the hotel staff would arrange that for you to make your trip a memorable one.

Address: No 20, Lourdupuram, Naidupuram, Kodaikanal, 624101

Phone: 098400 33696

Room Tariff: INR 1800 - 3500, if you strike some good deal online, you will get it for the even lesser amount.

Check-In: 12 Noon

Check Out: 10 AM.

With in-room amenities equivalent to a five-star hotel, this amazing resort located in Kodaikanal will give you maximum comfort. Designed for the utmost privacy, the 7 swiss luxury tents of Fern Creek are spread across 1.5 acres.

Fern Creek caters excellently to everyone's need, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway on your honeymoon or are a stressed workaholic who needs to unwind or want to spend some quality time with family, you will find a number of options in this incredible resort to make your holiday a memorable one.

Designed to stay in perfect harmony with nature, you will love the ambience of this amazing place.

Fern Creek is first of its kind in Tamil Nadu and offers swiss luxury tents which have been designed to deliver the three core elements, including luxury, intimacy and privacy. These tents have been festooned with the exotic teak furniture from the east, luxurious bathroom fittings and an 8-inch Restonic mattress.

Address: No. 212/118, Fern Hill Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101

Phone: 089398 48744

Room Tariff: INR 4500 - 7000

Check-In: 12 Noon

Check Out: 10 AM.

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This shop located on the Bazaar Road in Kodai is famous for its pastries and cakes. Not only do they serve a large number of heavenly baked cakes, but also specialize in ice creams.

If you happen to have a sweet tooth, then chances are that you will simply fall in love with this place. They are also known to serve yummy coffee, which is a perfect accompaniment in colder weather. 

The best part being, this shop is extremely pocket-friendly and is known for its amazing cakes available at a cheap rate. A must have is their fresh homemade ice-creams.

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This eatery opposite the government tourist office serves the best continental and Italian food dishes in Kodai. They are known far and wide for their yummy and delicious range of wood fire pizza. 

They have an impressive menu and almost all the items on the menu card are sure to impress the customers. Another hot favourite amongst its patrons is lasagna. 

This three-layered flat pasta dish which is baked with cheese on top will melt in your mouth and make your visit to this place truly worth it. You can finish off your meal with their yummy lemon cake.

As a foodie, your trip to Kodai will be incomplete unless you visit the Cafe Cariappa. This café looks like an unassuming one from outside. Once you enter the place, you discover a world full of surprises.

The place with a seating arrangement of only 2 tables inside has an elaborate menu. A few must have at this café is coffee, cakes and sandwiches.

They offer a yummy and exotic cake section, but the best seller is their carrot cake which is loved by all. Close to the heels comes their moist chocolate cake that is also loved by all cake lovers.

Also, you must go to the new year events of Bangalore to rejoice in new year night.

If you are one of those tourists who prefer to gorge on a buffet spread, then a meal at The Carlton Hotel is an absolute must for you. This place is known for its never-ending buffet spread for breakfast and dinner.

The property overlooks the Kodai lake enhancing the whole experience of the meal. In fact, if you are looking for a proper meal, then you can also try their ala carte menu for lunch.

The place offers tasty and scrumptious food that is loved by all. The best part is, that they offer food options from multi cuisines.

If you are looking for an amazing place to try out authentic Tibetan food in Kodaikanal then, A Royal Tibet is your best bet. This place is known to serve absolutely authentic Tibetan delights at a pocket-friendly rate.

Now, this is not a fancy restaurant but a small take away kind of joint. It also has some seating options, but the place is so high in demand that most of the times it’s crammed up.

You must try their beef dishes as they are tender and succulent. Once here, you must taste their Wontons, Tibetan bread and soups. A great place to have cheap but tasty food.

Kodaikanal is indeed an ideal travel destination for tourists. If you have opted for one of the Bangalore to Kodaikanal packages, then you must take a note about which things you need to carry with you while visiting Kodaikanal.

Here are the top things which you must carry while visiting the place:

Warm Clothes

The weather in Kodaikanal is mostly below 20o C, and it rarely goes high. So, when you are packing for your trip to Kodaikanal, ensure that you keep the warm clothes with you. The temperature can easily dip in this hill station, and thus, proper warm clothes are a must to avoid any issues later.

Layered clothing is best for the Kodaikanal, as you can take off the upper layers when the weather is warm or moderate, and can put them on in the mornings and evenings when the weather starts becoming cold.

Walking Shoes

A trip to the hilly regions require you to walk a lot and indulge in thrilling activities like trekking etc. Thus, carrying a comfortable pair of walking shoes is very important to avoid blisters and the sore feet.

Umbrella

The weather in the hills is quite unpredictable, and thus, an umbrella is a must. You never know, when it starts raining or drizzling.

First Aid Kit

The curvy roads, uncertain weather and the rocky terrain, all can badly affect your health and that's why, a first aid kit is mandatory. Do keep your medications for nausea and altitude sickness.

Sunglasses

The sun is  bright in the mountains, and you would need your sunglasses while sightseeing. So, do keep them in your backpack all the time.

Sunscreen

As mentioned earlier, the sun can be quite bright in the mountains. So, keep your skin protected with a sunscreen and a lotion.

Lip Balm and Moisturizers

The chilling wind of the winters can be very dry and it can instantly make your lips and skin lose the moisture. So, lip balm and moisturizing lotions are a must.

Cap

Whether it's winter's cold winds or the direct sunlight of summers, a cap can protect you from both.

Backpack

Kodaikanal is one of the few places in India where plastic bags aren't allowed and thus, you cannot carry one either. So, a backpack is necessary when you are heading out to keep your vital stuff safe and secure.

Wind-cheater

The weather in the places located on the high altitude can be very harsh and that's why you need a wind-cheater to protect you against the extreme weather conditions. Moreover, a windcheater with a hooded cap can even prove as your saviour during the rain.

Camera

Though, most of us carry a smartphone these days, which is equipped with a high-end camera, but visiting a hill station like Kodaikanal which is exceptionally striking and beautiful, you must have a good camera so that you can capture some breathtaking shots which can be cherished till long after the trip is over.

Power bank

During long sightseeing trips, your battery may run out, and that's why carrying power banks is essential when you are visiting a place like Kodaikanal.

Nestled amidst the lush and serene green folds of the beautiful Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Spread across the beautiful western ghats, the salubrious mountain air of Kodaikanal will simply infuse a new life in you while taking away all your stress.

So, if you have booked one of the Bangalore to Kodaikanal packages, then here are some travel tips for Kodaikanal which you must take into account.

• Kodaikanal is one of the places where one can experience a unique and refreshing mix of nature and culture, but, if you are seeking extensive restaurants, or a party destination where you can enjoy the nightlife, the certainly Kodaikanal is not the place for you. This town is all about exploring the natural beauty and enjoying scenic views.

• You can cycle in and around Kodaikanal, and cycling is an amazing way to explore the flora and fauna of the place. Cycling will give you an opportunity to explore the place in a natural and rustic manner, and give yourself a memorable experience.

• The languages which are commonly spoken by the local people in Kodaikanal are Tamil and English. Thus, ensure that you can fluently speak one of these two languages to be able to interact with the local people.

• Located at an altitude of about 7000 feet above the sea level, it's certainly one of the top mountainous destinations and thus, if you feel uncomfortable at such height or suffer from breathing/cardiac ailments, do carry the necessary medication with you.

• April and May are the peak tourist months, and the place is very crowded during these months. So, if you love a tranquil and peaceful holiday destination, you must plan your trip at some other time of the year. However, the crowd doesn't bother you, then you can enjoy the pleasant weather in April and May, and even catch some of the amazing horticulture shows which are held at the Bryant Park in May.

• September and October also have amazing weather and there is less crowd.

• While in Kodaikanal, don't forget to shop the souvenirs from the art galleries and cottage craft shops. You might find some unique and amazing pieces of art to carry back home with you. Remember, the more you bargain, the better price you would get.

• Curd cheese and homemade chocolates are among the specialities of the place.

• You can enjoy a lot of thrilling and adventurous activities in Kodaikanal such as boating, cycling, horse riding, fishing and trekking. The fishing in Kodaikanal is the gift of Europeans who introduced trout and carp in the high-elevation streams of this incredible hill town.

• While enjoying the boat ride, tip the boatmen generously. They don't get a fixed monthly salary they earn only when their boat is hired.

• You can easily hire a cycle in Kodaikanal, and enjoy a cycling trip with the family around the lake, whose span is about 5 km long.